• Motorists will be astonished when they learn how much a particular motoring cost has risen over the last decade
• Rather than being fuel, it is motoring tax and insurance that has skyrocketed since 2016
• The motoring costs have been highlighted by Trackdays using official data

Long-suffering motorists who blame rising petrol and oil prices will be surprised to learn that it's another factor that is really leaving them out of pocket.

Research we have conducted into official figures here at Trackdays, however, points to one clear cause that is hitting drivers the hardest.

Analysing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), it is actually the cost of motoring tax and insurance that has soared over the last 10 years. From 2016 to 2025, it has skyrocketed by 210%, far outpacing fuel, general inflation and average wage growth.

Imran Malek, corporate sales manager at Trackdays.co.uk, says: "The cost of motoring figures will be an eye-opener to many motorists."

"While the long-term data shows petrol and oil prices are volatile, they have risen far less than other motoring costs, not least motoring tax and car insurance, over the last decade."

General reasons for the surge in insurance prices, include repairs costing more, availability of spare parts and increased compensation payouts, while motoring tax has risen due to trying to meet climate goals plus rising inflation, among the causes.

While individual motorists can do little to influence the increased cost of motoring tax, they can take matters into their own hands to reduce the cost of car insurance premiums, particularly young drivers and first-time drivers.

Our tips for younger motorists, who are statistically more likely to be involved in an accident which pushes up their premiums, to potentially bring insurance costs down, include adding an experienced driver - perhaps a family member who hasn't made any claims - to the policy.

Other ways include paying annually rather than monthly, choosing an insurance group 1 car and avoiding making modifications. Younger drivers can also consider a 'black box' or telematics that rewards safe driving, while setting a higher voluntary excess that can help reduce the overall cost of the cover.

Imran adds: "Overall, motoring costs have increased by nearly 60% in the UK over the last ten years. Any way that drivers can reduce their own motoring outgoings, whether that's through driving efficiently and planning journeys for example, has to be welcomed."

One other thing that can also benefit newly qualified drivers - or those who are about to be - is our range of Young Driver Training and Driving Lessons, as these give the opportunity to learn basic driving skills and gain experience in a controlled and relaxed environment prior to taking your full time lessons with your provisional licence at 17 years old. You can book these at over 60 nationwide venues with Trackdays today.